Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) also known as type

1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a metabolic disorder caused by a lack

of insulin. The deficiency is believed to happen in people who are
genetically prone to the disease and who have experienced a precipitating
event, commonly a viral infection or environmental change, that causes an
autoimmune response affecting the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) of
the pancreas.

It is treated by injection of insulin and regulation of diet and activity that

maintain body functions. Complications that occur from improper coordination
of these include hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia which, if untreated, lead to
insulin shock or ketoacidosis. Long-term effects of the disease include
neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and microangiopathy.

Nursing Care Plans

Nurses have an essential role and responsibilities when caring for a client with
diabetes such as providing child and family with education about the
management of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia including insulin
administration, dietary regimen, and exercise needs for the child, helping the
family to adjust to having a chronic disease, and preventing short-term and
long-term complications of diabetes.

Here are four (4) nursing care plans (NCP) for diabetes mellitus type 1:

1. Deficient Knowledge
2. Compromised Family Coping
3. Risk for Injury
4. Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose